Best Hotels in Brighton

Some still think of it as "London-by-the-Sea", but Brighton has a flamboyant atmosphere that's completely its own. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the bohemian hotspot of the North Laine, full of kitsch boutiques, second-hand bookshops, artisan cake shops, and vintage markets. The long seaside with its famous pier has drawn crowds for generations, of course, and by night the bars and clubs come alive. It may have a reputation as Britain's gay capital, but ultimately Brighton is a city made for anyone who wants to have a good time.

Things to see

Any discussion of Brighton has to include that beach. Yes, it may be pebbly, but that hardly matters when you've got such epic views of the water. In the summer months the whole area comes alive with crowds basking in the sun: a vibrant reminder that you don't have to go abroad for a lively seaside break. Brighton Pier is also a must-visit – sample the freshly made doughnuts and wander right to the end to have a go on the traditional funfair attractions. For more refined pleasures, Brighton Marina is worth checking out as well. It's a chic complex of designer shops and restaurants, and you can even splash out on a yacht trip if you fancy it. In terms of iconic Brighton attractions, none comes bigger than the Royal Pavilion, that ornate Indian-style fantasy palace created for King George IV. Exhausted after a day's sightseeing? Relax on the green fields of Preston Park.

Hotels in Brighton

This has long been one of the UK's top tourist destinations, so as you can imagine there's plenty of hotels in Brighton to go around. Some are very much on the grand side, with marble décor, luxury spas, and old-school bars that wouldn't look out of place in an Agatha Christie story. More subtle are the smaller boutique Brighton hotels you'll find in the devil-may-care Kemptown district – some of these are delightfully quirky without stinting on creature comforts like Egyptian cotton sheets. The cosy bed and breakfasts of Hove can be a great budget alternative.

Where to stay

If you're staying in Brighton you really want to be in the thick of the action. The city center is marvellously compact, meaning you can be in the Royal Pavilion one minute and the North Laine the next. Then, a wander through the cosy labyrinth of the Lanes – crammed with antique shops and jewellers – will put you in the direction of the beach. The majority of hotels in Brighton can be found here as well, many with great views of the sea, so you can really make the most of your holiday.

How to get to

Gatwick Airport is practically on Brighton's doorstep. And, as one of the country's major international gateways, it makes getting to the city a breeze, with regular train connections to Brighton Station throughout the day. Brighton's is also conveniently close to the capital city – it's only around an hour by train – so it's simple to get to if you're arriving at another airport. One of the advantages of Brighton is its size – once you're here, you probably won't have to bother with cabs or buses, as almost all the main sights can be seen on foot.